Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer

Marcus I performs at the Village Café, Barbican Road, St. Andrew, on Tuesday. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

The rock of the Storm Band, the rhythm of M'Bala on percussions, rhyme of poet Ganja and the reggae of Marcus I met at the Village Café, Barbican Road, St. Andrew, on Tuesday night.

But there was a rift of sorts as well, as the Storm Band's set was cut short, as after doing Number One, which singer and guitarist Cosser said was the back-up in case the previous number did not make them stars, it was announced that something had gone wrong with the mixing board.

Cosser gave an incredulous and angry "what!", repeating it when it was announced that there would be recorded music until the problem was sorted out.

The Storm Band, which had delivered DDestination and a song inspired by the West Bank, packed up. There had been a cowboy-in-the-wilderness-missing-his-girl feel to one song in the three-man band's performance, Cosser's red pants clad legs splayed and hair falling over his face as he rocked guitar and microphone.

Marcus I called all to order on the Heathen rhythm, moving into the second song without pause, even as the applause went up, appealing to "people of the world all over". With a "check it out" Marcus I passed over lead duties to saxophonist Tafane, who soloed to the drum and bass.

Songs before

There was Good Vibes before Cocaine and Mango. "This is a song about the island of Jamaica, rich and poor, natural and synthetic," Marcus I said before starting the song. And again voice and saxophone exchanged lead duties, Marcus I calling "mix me!" as he went into rapid, rhythmic pattern.

There were whistles of appreciation for the encouragement to "live up inna the natural" and Marcus I turned out the left front pocket of his khaki coloured pants to illustrate a search by the police for marijuana.

Worldwide Recognition came before Release The Files, Marcus I reminding all that musicians do work as well.

"Nine to five is not the only way to work," he said.